They are eyeing the next election.
Several U.S. governors are hinting at their potential bids for the Democratic nomination in the 2028 presidential race.
The 2028 U.S. presidential election is set for November 7, 2028. With President Donald Trump ineligible for re-election due to the 22nd Amendment, having served two terms in 2016 and 2024, the Democratic field is expected to be highly competitive. Historically, when a president is completing their second term, the opposition party tends to have a stronger chance of victory, as seen in the elections of 2000, 2008, and 2016.
Governors and U.S. senators are often considered prime candidates for the presidency, with most recent presidents, including Joe Biden, having served in one of these roles. Many Democratic governors are now positioning themselves as potential contenders for the 2028 race.
One such governor is Andy Beshear of Kentucky. When asked about his presidential aspirations, Beshear expressed that he had not considered it in the past, but now sees it as a possibility to help heal the country. “If I can bring this nation together and find common ground, it’s something I’ll consider,” Beshear told reporters while attending the Kentucky Derby in Louisville.
In 2026, Beshear is set to become the chair of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), a group focused on electing Democratic governors. He was once rumored as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 but was ultimately excluded in favor of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Former Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo is also weighing a run. Having served as governor from 2015 to 2021, she resigned to become U.S. Secretary of Commerce under the Biden administration. In a recent conversation with political consultant David Axelrod at the University of Chicago, Raimondo confirmed she was considering a presidential campaign. She highlighted the challenges the Democratic Party faces, particularly overcoming perceptions of elitism and disconnect from mainstream cultural issues.
Other governors frequently mentioned as potential contenders include Gavin Newsom of California, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and Wes Moore of Maryland. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, also discussed as a likely candidate, is enjoying strong popularity in his state, which holds significant electoral importance with its 19 votes. Shapiro will be up for re-election in 2026, making him a prominent figure to watch.
